The new MacBook Pro M3 laptops come with a number of updates. But even with the third generation of powerful Apple Silicon, the base MacBook Pro M3 still has a limitation that could be a deal-breaker for some users.
Although the first MacBooks based on The M1s were generally praised, with a frequent criticism being their ability to support only one external monitor.
Support for two or three displays first appeared in Apple Silicon with the M1 Pro and Pro Max. But when the M2 chip debuted in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro in June 2022, it still didn't have support for multiple external monitors.
Deal breakers for M3 MacBook Pro buyers?
Now that the M3 chip has arrived alongside the M3 Pro and M3 Max, Apple has revealed that the base MacBook Pro The M3 is still limited to supporting only one external display.
This is a shame to see in the case of the third generation of Apple Silicon – but, of course, the company uses this as a difference between the base M3 chips and the M3 Pro/Max. Want multi-monitor support? Choose M3 Pro or Max.
Best comment from BHarris
It's pretty simple : For some this is an obstacle, for others it is not. Apple knows its customers very well; they made something that would satisfy the vast majority of them.
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While the 14-inch MacBook Pro's lower starting price of $1,599 may be tempting, it's a notable trade-off—single monitor support— especially for those who plan to keep the new machine for a while.
Here is a breakdown of external display support on new machines/chips:
| M3 | M3 Pro | M3 Max | |
| External display support | 1 external display with up to 6K/60Hz | Up to 2 external displays at 6K/60Hz via Thunderbolt
Or 1 6K/60 Hz via Thunderbolt and 1 4K/144 Hz via HDMI Or 1 8K/60 Hz or 1 4K/240 Hz via HDMI |
Up to 4 external displays: 3 6K/60Hz via Thunderbolt and 1 4K/144Hz via HDMI Or |
What do you think? Are you frustrated that the base MacBook Pro M3 only supports one external display? Or does it seem wise to save it for the M3 Pro/Max machines? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related:
- M3 MacBook Pro vs M2: what's the difference?
- Apple officially unveils the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max: 3nm process technology, GPU with dynamic caching, and more.
- First hands-on videos of the M3 MacBook Pro show off the new Space Black color
- Here's how M3 MacBook Pro battery life compares to M2.
